Kittleman & Associates Tapped by Frey Foundation to Find CEO

January 18, 2018 – Chicago-based executive search firm Kittleman & Associates has been retained by the Frey Foundation in Grand Rapids, MI to lead its search for a new CEO. Vice president Megan Monaco is spearheading the assignment.

The next president of the Frey Foundation will join an organization that is committed to maximizing its impact in west and northern Michigan, said the search firm. The incoming president will have the opportunity to assist the foundation’s board in its efforts to further define and hone its grant-making areas, ensuring that the critical needs of its communities are strategically addressed.

“This is an opportunity for us to recommit to sustaining our focus as a regional leader in enhancing the lives of children and families, protecting our natural resources and promoting the arts as part of building strong communities,” said Tripp Frey, who is heading the search committee.

The Ideal Leader

The Frey Foundation wants a leader with a career-long dedication to and compassion for improving the human condition, said Kittleman & Associates. A track record of successfully engaging with an active and participative governing board is required. The foundation seeks a manager with at least five years of senior-level leadership responsibility. An understanding of community investment at a high level would also be a positive.

An inclusive, collaborative style of communication along with the ability to be an authentic listener are important personal attributes for the role, according to the search firm. A keen understanding of family dynamics is needed and experience working with a family board is also a plus.

Candidates with for-profit experience, particularly those from professions intersecting with family wealth management/counsel (i.e. investment, finance, legal), are encouraged to apply, said Kittleman & Associates. The qualified candidate should demonstrate success in working with non-profit, foundation, business and local governmental leaders whose interests are aligned with those of the foundation.

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Edward and Frances Frey established the foundation in 1974 out of a love of the community and their commitment to philanthropy, said the search firm. The organization, which is multigenerational, is one of Michigan’s larger family foundations committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals, families, organizations and communities. The Frey Foundation invests in four major program areas: building community, children and families, community arts and the environment.

Non-Profit Veterans

Kittleman & Associates, which was established in 1963, is one of the nation’s oldest executive recruitment firms exclusively serving non-profit organizations. Its search services include recruitment counsel, organizational assessment, development of position specifications, prospect research, source identification, candidate development, background assessment and verification, reference checking, offer preparation and transition assistance.

The firm has led searches for top leaders at PEER Services, People’s Resource Center, Moore Farms Botanical Garden Foundation, South Suburban PADS and Boys & Girls Country, among others.

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Ms. Monaco manages search operations for CEO assignments and leads Kittleman’s day-to-day operations and finances. She joined the firm in 2002 as senior associate. In this role, she provided search operations support for nearly 100 assignments for a diverse group of clients, in addition to leading the firm’s marketing efforts. She began her career in recruitment for non-profits, developing her experience in the human services sector by working with organizations that serve children, youth and families.

Next Generation Leader

Not long ago, a new generation at Kittleman & Associates took over the firm’s leadership: Cory King was named president and CEO, succeeding his father Richard. Cory’s sister Ms. Monaco became vice president. “Rick,” as the elder Mr. King is known, continues to conduct CEO searches and serves as an advisor to the business as chairman. The siblings have been with Kittleman for several years, the company said, making the transition seamless.

Mr. King focuses on CEO searches across the non-profit sector, with a particular emphasis in social services, grant making foundations, cultural institutions and conservation organizations. He has been in the non-profit sector since 1998 and brings executive level experience in higher education, healthcare and social services.